Mario Balotelli on the rocks at Manchester City after training-ground bust-up with Roberto Mancini

Mario Balotelli has moved a step closer to a dramatic exit from Manchester City this month after an extraordinary training-ground bust-up with Roberto Mancini.

The troubled Italian striker has been criticised by manager Mancini in recent weeks for his increasing lack of discipline, and their fractious relationship appeared to spill over at training today, with Balotelli going head-to-head with his boss.

Hold me back: Balotelli is restrained after his confrontation with Mancini (Picture: Eamonn and James Clarke)

In a series of snaps taken mid-session, Balotelli and Mancini are seen aggressively confronting each other, before the City manager shoves the player away, and the pair are held back by other coaching staff including assistant manager Brian Kidd.

Balotelli is then pictured being ordered out of the training ground, with tensions still clearly high after the spat.

The news comes as Balotelli is linked with a move back to Italy with AC Milan, having been told by City officials earlier this week he is on his last chance at the Etihad Stadium.